Survey of Rural Health Care Pilot Program Projects
U.S. Government Accountability Office
Contents
- Background
- Application & Eligibility
- Delays
- Matching Funds
- Sustainability Plan
- Excess Bandwidth / Excess Capacity
- Administrative Processes
- Program Guidance
- Usefulness Of Program Resources
- Effects Of Pilot Program
- Lessons Learned
- Submit your Questionnaire
Background
1. Please provide the following information for the person primarily responsible for completing
this survey in case we need to contact you to clarify a response.
Enter letters or numbers in each box below.
Name:
Project:
Telephone:
Email:
2. Has your entity ever used the services of a paid consultant to assist you in managing your pilot project?
Click one button below.
| Non-responses | Yes | No | Do not know | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23 | 36 | 1 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
3. Will a paid consultant complete or assist in completing any part of this survey?
| Non-responses | Yes | No | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 10 | 49 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
Application & Eligibility
Application to Participate in the Pilot Program
4. When preparing your application to participate in the pilot program, how clear was the
information FCC provided about its criteria for determining whether to accept or reject
an application to participate in the program?
Reminder: You can save and exit this survey and return to it later. If you were not the person who submitted the application, please ask that person to answer this question, if possible.
| Non-responses |
Very clear |
Somewhat clear |
Slightly clear |
Not at all clear |
Do not know or remember |
Person who submitted the application is unavailable to provide this information |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 15 | 24 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
4a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
Eligibility of Entities
5. FCC discussed which entities are eligible to receive program funds in its order calling for applications to participate in the pilot program and in its order announcing the pilot project awardees. Taken as a whole, how helpful or unhelpful was this written guidance in your project's attempts to determine the eligibility of its entities?
| Non-responses |
Very helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Neither helpful nor unhelpful |
Somewhat unhelpful |
Very unhelpful |
Do not know or remember |
Person with this information is unavailable to provide this information |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 20 | 23 | 4 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
5a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
6. How clear or unclear is the current program guidance (both written and oral) about which entities are eligible to receive program funds?
| Non-responses |
Very clear |
Somewhat clear |
Slightly clear |
Not at all clear |
Have not received any guidance |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 23 | 16 | 13 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
6a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
7. At any time in your project's participation in the program -- including preparing your application to the program -- has your project included any entities that your project thought would be eligible that were later deemed ineligible by program officials?
| Non-responses | Yes | No | Don't know | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25 | 34 | 1 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
7a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
Eligibility of Expenses
8. FCC discussed which expenses can be paid for with program funds in its order calling for applications to participate in the pilot program and in its order announcing the pilot project awardees. Taken as a whole, how helpful or unhelpful was this written guidance in your project's attempts to determine the eligibility of its expenses?
| Non-responses |
Very helpful |
Somewhat helpful |
Neither helpful nor unhelpful |
Somewhat unhelpful |
Very unhelpful |
Do not know or remember |
Person with this information is unavailable to provide this information |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 16 | 22 | 4 | 11 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
8a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
9. How clear or unclear is the current program guidance about which expenses can be paid for with program funds?
| Non-responses |
Very clear |
Somewhat clear |
Slightly clear |
Not at all clear |
Have not received any guidance |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 26 | 24 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
9a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
10. At any time in your project's participation in the program -- including preparing your application to the program -- has your project included any expenses that your project thought could be paid for with program funds that were later deemed to be ineligible expenses by program officials?
| Non-responses | Yes | No | Don't know | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25 | 32 | 3 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
10a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
Delays
11. There are many reasons that pilot projects might have fallen behind their original
schedules for meeting project milestones or completing the project. Has your project
experienced any of the following and, if so, to what extent did each delay your project?
Click buttons in each row.
11a. Delays in receiving guidance from program officials?
Did your project experience this?
| Non-responses |
Yes, we experienced this issue, and it caused a delay |
Yes, we experienced this issue, but it did not cause a delay |
No, we did not experience this |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 36 | 8 | 16 | 1 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
If it caused a delay:
How much, if at all, did this delay your project?
| Non-responses |
Skipped |
Significantly delayed |
Moderately delayed | Slightly delayed |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 24 | 18 | 13 | 4 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
11b. Inconsistent guidance about your specific project from program officials?
Did your project experience this?
| Non-responses |
Yes, we experienced this issue, and it caused a delay |
Yes, we experienced this issue, but it did not cause a delay |
No, we did not experience this |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 31 | 6 | 23 | 1 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
If it caused a delay:
How much, if at all, did this delay your project?
| Non-responses |
Skipped |
Significantly delayed |
Moderately delayed | Slightly delayed |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 30 | 16 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
11c. Delays in USAC's processing of your forms?
Did your project experience this?
| Non-responses |
Yes, we experienced this issue, and it caused a delay |
Yes, we experienced this issue, but it did not cause a delay |
No, we did not experience this |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 27 | 3 | 29 | 2 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
If it caused a delay:
How much, if at all, did this delay your project?
| Non-responses |
Skipped |
Significantly delayed |
Moderately delayed | Slightly delayed |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 34 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
11d. Change in the scope of your project?
Did your project experience this?
| Non-responses |
Yes, we experienced this issue, and it caused a delay |
Yes, we experienced this issue, but it did not cause a delay |
No, we did not experience this |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 32 | 5 | 24 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
If it caused a delay:
How much, if at all, did this delay your project?
| Non-responses |
Skipped |
Significantly delayed |
Moderately delayed | Slightly delayed |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 29 | 16 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
11e. Difficulty obtaining letters of agency?
Did your project experience this?
| Non-responses |
Yes, we experienced this issue, and it caused a delay |
Yes, we experienced this issue, but it did not cause a delay |
No, we did not experience this |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 27 | 7 | 26 | 1 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
If it caused a delay:
How much, if at all, did this delay your project?
| Non-responses |
Skipped |
Significantly delayed |
Moderately delayed | Slightly delayed |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 32 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
11f. Difficulty securing any portion of the project's total 15% match?
Did your project experience this?
| Non-responses |
Yes, we experienced this issue, and it caused a delay |
Yes, we experienced this issue, but it did not cause a delay |
No, we did not experience this |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 17 | 10 | 33 | 1 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
If it caused a delay:
How much, if at all, did this delay your project?
| Non-responses |
Skipped |
Significantly delayed |
Moderately delayed | Slightly delayed |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 43 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
11g. Difficulty developing a sustainability plan?
Did your project experience this?
| Non-responses |
Yes, we experienced this issue, and it caused a delay |
Yes, we experienced this issue, but it did not cause a delay |
No, we did not experience this |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 33 | 6 | 20 | 1 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
If it caused a delay:
How much, if at all, did this delay your project?
| Non-responses |
Skipped |
Significantly delayed |
Moderately delayed | Slightly delayed |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 25 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 2 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
11h. Difficulty compiling and submitting the documentation required to establish the eligibility of entities, including USAC requests for supporting documentation?
Did your project experience this?
| Non-responses |
Yes, we experienced this issue, and it caused a delay |
Yes, we experienced this issue, but it did not cause a delay |
No, we did not experience this |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 36 | 3 | 21 | 1 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
If it caused a delay:
How much, if at all, did this delay your project?
| Non-responses |
Skipped |
Significantly delayed |
Moderately delayed | Slightly delayed |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 25 | 16 | 12 | 5 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
11i. Difficulty compiling and submitting the documentation required to establish the eligibility of expenses, including USAC requests for supporting documentation?
Did your project experience this?
| Non-responses |
Yes, we experienced this issue, and it caused a delay |
Yes, we experienced this issue, but it did not cause a delay |
No, we did not experience this |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 18 | 2 | 35 | 6 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
If it caused a delay:
How much, if at all, did this delay your project?
| Non-responses |
Skipped |
Significantly delayed |
Moderately delayed | Slightly delayed |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 45 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
11j. Difficulty with internal project resource issues (e.g., lack of funding or staff, staff turnover, inability to fund ineligible expenses)?
Did your project experience this?
| Non-responses |
Yes, we experienced this issue, and it caused a delay |
Yes, we experienced this issue, but it did not cause a delay |
No, we did not experience this |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 32 | 7 | 21 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
If it caused a delay:
How much, if at all, did this delay your project?
| Non-responses |
Skipped |
Significantly delayed |
Moderately delayed | Slightly delayed |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28 | 19 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
11k. Entities in your project that pursued or considered pursuing funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) program (including funds from the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) or the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP))?
Did your project experience this?
| Non-responses |
Yes, we experienced this issue, and it caused a delay |
Yes, we experienced this issue, but it did not cause a delay |
No, we did not experience this |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 17 | 16 | 23 | 5 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
If it caused a delay:
How much, if at all, did this delay your project?
| Non-responses |
Skipped |
Significantly delayed |
Moderately delayed | Slightly delayed |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 43 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
11l. Other issues that delayed your project? Please identify those issues in the box below.
Did your project experience this?
| Non-responses |
Yes, we experienced this issue, and it caused a delay |
Yes, we experienced this issue, but it did not cause a delay |
No, we did not experience this |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 41 | 0 | 10 | 6 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
If it caused a delay:
How much, if at all, did this delay your project?
| Non-responses |
Skipped |
Significantly delayed |
Moderately delayed | Slightly delayed |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 22 | 20 | 14 | 5 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
11m. IF YES, CAUSED A DELAY: What were the other issues that caused a delay in your project?
12. On February 18, 2010, the FCC extended the deadline for submitting funding request letters (Form 466-A) from June 30, 2010, to June 30, 2011. If this extension had not been granted, would your project have been able to meet the original June 30, 2010, deadline for submitting all of your funding request letters without changing your project's scope or planned activities?
| Non-responses |
Definitely would have met deadline |
Probably would have met deadline |
Probably would not have met deadline |
Definitely would not have met deadline |
Do not know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 28 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
12a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
Matching Funds
13. As of May 1, 2010, had you secured the 15% match required for your pilot project?
| Non-responses |
Yes |
No, but my project has identified the sources needed to secure the match |
No, and my project has not identified the sources needed to secure the match |
Do not know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 36 | 17 | 5 | 2 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
13a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
14. Did your project experience any of the following, and if so, to what extent, if at all, has each of the following impaired your attempts to fund your 15% match?
14a. Original application reliance on ineligible sources for the match?
Did your project experience this?
| Non-responses |
Yes, we experienced this issue, and it impaired attempts to fund the match |
Yes, we experienced this issue, but it did not impair attempts to fund the match |
No, we did not experience this |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 8 | 2 | 49 | 2 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
If impaired:
How much, if at all, did this impair your project's attempts to fund your 15% match?
| Non-responses |
Skipped |
Significantly impaired |
Moderately impaired | Slightly impaired |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 53 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
14b. Loss or delay of internal project funding, such as a loss or delay of funding from entities in your project?
Did your project experience this?
| Non-responses |
Yes, we experienced this issue, and it impaired attempts to fund the match |
Yes, we experienced this issue, but it did not impair attempts to fund the match |
No, we did not experience this |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 7 | 6 | 45 | 3 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
If impaired:
How much, if at all, did this impair your project's attempts to fund your 15% match?
| Non-responses |
Skipped |
Significantly impaired |
Moderately impaired | Slightly impaired |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 54 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
14c. Loss or delay of external funding, such as grant funds, state funds, or other federal (not FCC) funds?
Did your project experience this?
| Non-responses |
Yes, we experienced this issue, and it impaired attempts to fund the match |
Yes, we experienced this issue, but it did not impair attempts to fund the match |
No, we did not experience this |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 15 | 5 | 37 | 2 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
If impaired:
How much, if at all, did this impair your project's attempts to fund your 15% match?
| Non-responses |
Skipped |
Significantly impaired |
Moderately impaired | Slightly impaired |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 46 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
14d. Expenses, including administrative expenses, that you thought would be funded with program funds, but were deemed ineligible by program officials?
Did your project experience this?
| Non-responses |
Yes, we experienced this issue, and it impaired attempts to fund the match |
Yes, we experienced this issue, but it did not impair attempts to fund the match |
No, we did not experience this |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16 | 8 | 33 | 3 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
If impaired:
How much, if at all, did this impair your project's attempts to fund your 15% match?
| Non-responses |
Skipped |
Significantly impaired |
Moderately impaired | Slightly impaired |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 45 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
14e. Other issues that impaired your project's attempts to fund your match? Please identify those issues in the box below.
Did your project experience this?
| Non-responses |
Yes, we experienced this issue, and it impaired attempts to fund the match |
Yes, we experienced this issue, but it did not impair attempts to fund the match |
No, we did not experience this |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 12 | 2 | 37 | 6 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
If impaired:
How much, if at all, did this impair your project's attempts to fund your 15% match?
| Non-responses |
Skipped |
Significantly impaired |
Moderately impaired | Slightly impaired |
Don't know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 49 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
14f. IF YES, IMPAIRED: What were the other issues that impaired your project's attempts to fund your 15% match?
Sustainability Plan
15. Have program officials required your project to provide additional evidence of sustainability other than what was outlined in your application to the pilot program?
| Non-responses |
Yes |
No |
Have not done this yet |
Do not know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 44 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
15a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
16. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with any program guidance (written or oral) you have received so far on how to develop a sustainability plan?
| Non-responses |
Very satisfied |
Somewhat satisfied |
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |
Somewhat dissatisfied |
Very dissatisfied |
Have not received any guidance |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 11 | 16 | 12 | 13 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
16a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
17. Will your sustainability plan include future participation in the original (or "primary") Rural Health Care Program for some or all of the entities in your project?
| Non-responses | Definitely yes | Probably yes | Probably no | Definitely no | Do not know | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 24 | 20 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
17a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
Excess Bandwidth / Excess Capacity
18. Some projects plan to have excess bandwidth or excess capacity -- for the purposes of this survey, the terms will be interchangeable -- which is more fiber (or similar facilities for non-fiber technologies, such as satellite) than is needed for the project's current members. Will your project have excess bandwidth or excess capacity?
| Non-responses | Definitely yes | Probably yes | Probably no | Definitely no | Do not know | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 10 | 11 | 15 | 24 | 1 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
18a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
If you answered "Definitely no" or "Probably no" above: Skip to Question 20.
19. Please indicate whether you plan to use any of your excess bandwidth/excess capacity for the following:
Click one button in each row.
a. Network growth or the addition of future network members that are using the network for health care purposes
| Non-responses | Skipped | Definitely yes | Probably yes | Probably no | Definitely no | Do not know | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 34 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
b. Charging non-network members market price to use the network for non-health care purposes, but not selling or leasing the excess capacity to them
| Non-responses | Skipped | Definitely yes | Probably yes | Probably no | Definitely no | Do not know | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 34 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
c. Selling or leasing the excess capacity to non-network members
| Non-responses | Skipped | Definitely yes | Probably yes | Probably no | Definitely no | Do not know | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 34 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
d. Other (please identify in the box below)
| Non-responses | Skipped | Definitely yes | Probably yes | Probably no | Definitely no | Do not know | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 35 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
If other:
19a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
20. Currently, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with any program guidance (written or oral) on:
a. How to determine what constitutes "fair share" when allocating costs
| Non-responses |
Very satisfied |
Somewhat satisfied |
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |
Somewhat dissatisfied |
Very dissatisfied |
Have not received any guidance |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 15 | 12 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
b. How to determine whether your project is paying incremental or fair share costs when buying excess capacity
| Non-responses |
Very satisfied |
Somewhat satisfied |
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |
Somewhat dissatisfied |
Very dissatisfied |
Have not received any guidance |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 12 | 23 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
c. How to determine what constitutes market price when making excess capacity available to non-network members
| Non-responses |
Very satisfied |
Somewhat satisfied |
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |
Somewhat dissatisfied |
Very dissatisfied |
Have not received any guidance |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 14 | 22 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
20a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
Administrative Processes
21. How would you rate the levels of each of the following aspects of quarterly reporting?
a. The amount of guidance that was provided on how quarterly reports should be written before submission of the first quarterly report
| Non-responses | Too much | Right amount | Too little | No opinion | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 33 | 24 | 4 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
b. The amount of information that is required in quarterly reports
| Non-responses | Too much | Right amount | Too little | No opinion | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 28 | 27 | 3 | 3 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
c. The amount of feedback you receive (positive or negative) after your quarterly reports are submitted
| Non-responses | Too much | Right amount | Too little | No opinion | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 19 | 26 | 16 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
d. The frequency with which quarterly reports are required
| Non-responses | Too much | Right amount | Too little | No opinion | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26 | 28 | 0 | 6 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
21a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
22. How easy or difficult has it been so far for your project to perform the following?
a. Determining the eligibility of entities
| Non-responses |
Very easy |
Somewhat easy |
Neither easy nor difficult |
Somewhat difficult |
Very difficult |
Not applicable |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 15 | 16 | 6 | 13 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
b. Determining the eligibility of expenses
| Non-responses |
Very easy |
Somewhat easy |
Neither easy nor difficult |
Somewhat difficult |
Very difficult |
Not applicable |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 9 | 17 | 12 | 14 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
c. Allocating costs among eligible and non-eligible entities
| Non-responses |
Very easy |
Somewhat easy |
Neither easy nor difficult |
Somewhat difficult |
Very difficult |
Not applicable |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 19 | 10 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
d. Funding ineligible expenses (e.g., administrative costs)
| Non-responses |
Very easy |
Somewhat easy |
Neither easy nor difficult |
Somewhat difficult |
Very difficult |
Not applicable |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 13 | 23 | 7 | 3 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
e. Obtaining letters of agency
| Non-responses |
Very easy |
Somewhat easy |
Neither easy nor difficult |
Somewhat difficult |
Very difficult |
Not applicable |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 19 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
f. Developing a sustainability plan thus far
| Non-responses |
Very easy |
Somewhat easy |
Neither easy nor difficult |
Somewhat difficult |
Very difficult |
Not applicable |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2 | 5 | 14 | 26 | 11 | 1 | 2 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
g. Understanding how to address excess bandwidth or excess capacity issues
| Non-responses |
Very easy |
Somewhat easy |
Neither easy nor difficult |
Somewhat difficult |
Very difficult |
Not applicable |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 3 | 5 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 18 | 11 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
h. Assembling the Form 465 package
| Non-responses |
Very easy |
Somewhat easy |
Neither easy nor difficult |
Somewhat difficult |
Very difficult |
Not applicable |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2 | 6 | 11 | 21 | 17 | 3 | 1 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
i. Evaluating bids from vendors
| Non-responses |
Very easy |
Somewhat easy |
Neither easy nor difficult |
Somewhat difficult |
Very difficult |
Not applicable |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 1 | 8 | 8 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
j. Negotiating a contract with a vendor
| Non-responses |
Very easy |
Somewhat easy |
Neither easy nor difficult |
Somewhat difficult |
Very difficult |
Not applicable |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 3 | 5 | 15 | 15 | 4 | 10 | 9 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
k. Completing the Form 466-A package including completing Form 466-A (Funding Request & Certification Form), Form 466-A Attachment (Internet Service Funding Request & Certification Form) and the Network Cost Worksheet
| Non-responses |
Very easy |
Somewhat easy |
Neither easy nor difficult |
Somewhat difficult |
Very difficult |
Not applicable |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 4 | 11 | 20 | 7 | 12 | 7 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
l. Completing Form 467 (Receipt of Service Confirmation Form)
| Non-responses |
Very easy |
Somewhat easy |
Neither easy nor difficult |
Somewhat difficult |
Very difficult |
Not applicable |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 21 | 16 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
m. Completing invoices
| Non-responses |
Very easy |
Somewhat easy |
Neither easy nor difficult |
Somewhat difficult |
Very difficult |
Not applicable |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 4 | 22 | 16 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
n. Other processes (please identify in the box below)
| Non-responses |
Very easy |
Somewhat easy |
Neither easy nor difficult |
Somewhat difficult |
Very difficult |
Not applicable |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 16 | 17 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
If other:
22a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
Program Guidance
23. Please consider your experiences in the program from the beginning of your participation until present day. Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with:
a. The amount of formal written guidance (including orders, releases, FAQs on Web site) that was provided by program officials
| Non-responses |
Very satisfied |
Somewhat satisfied |
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |
Somewhat dissatisfied |
Very dissatisfied |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 6 | 16 | 9 | 21 | 7 | 2 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
b. The overall clarity of any program guidance
| Non-responses |
Very satisfied |
Somewhat satisfied |
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |
Somewhat dissatisfied |
Very dissatisfied |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 6 | 15 | 6 | 23 | 9 | 2 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
c. The timeliness of program officials' responses to your questions
| Non-responses |
Very satisfied |
Somewhat satisfied |
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |
Somewhat dissatisfied |
Very dissatisfied |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 18 | 12 | 6 | 17 | 6 | 2 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
d. The timeliness of program officials' reviews of your forms and documents, including RFPs, sustainability plans, etc.
| Non-responses |
Very satisfied |
Somewhat satisfied |
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |
Somewhat dissatisfied |
Very dissatisfied |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 19 | 13 | 5 | 13 | 9 | 2 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
23a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
24. Your coach is the person at USAC who reviews your forms and quarterly reports. Most likely, it is the person you interact with the most at USAC. If your coach has changed over the course of the pilot program, please consider your experience overall in working with a USAC coach. Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the following aspects of your experience with your coach?
a. Your coach's knowledge of the program
| Non-responses |
Very satisfied |
Somewhat satisfied |
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |
Somewhat dissatisfied |
Very dissatisfied |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 17 | 23 | 5 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
b. The ease with which you can contact your coach
| Non-responses |
Very satisfied |
Somewhat satisfied |
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |
Somewhat dissatisfied |
Very dissatisfied |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 41 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
c. The level of interaction with your coach
| Non-responses |
Very satisfied |
Somewhat satisfied |
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |
Somewhat dissatisfied |
Very dissatisfied |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 33 | 16 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
d. Your coach's unsolicited efforts to keep you informed of program updates
| Non-responses |
Very satisfied |
Somewhat satisfied |
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |
Somewhat dissatisfied |
Very dissatisfied |
No opinion |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 33 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
24a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
25. The November 2007 Selection Order (FCC-07-198) states requirements for participants to coordinate the use of their networks with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and to comply with several HHS health information technology initiatives. (Click here to see full text of the requirement.) How sufficient, if at all, was the guidance you have received from program officials on how to meet these requirements?
| Non-responses |
Completely sufficient | Somewhat sufficient | Slightly sufficient | Not at all sufficient | Do not know |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 11 | 9 | 25 | 13 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
25a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
Usefulness Of Program Resources
26. How useful have the following resources been to your project?
a. Formal guidance from FCC (including orders, releases, FAQs on Web site)
| Non-responses |
Extremely useful |
Very useful |
Moderately useful |
Slightly useful |
Not at all useful |
Do not know |
Have never used this resource |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4 | 16 | 20 | 17 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
b. FCC officials and staff that your project has interacted with in relation to your project
| Non-responses |
Extremely useful |
Very useful |
Moderately useful |
Slightly useful |
Not at all useful |
Do not know |
Have never used this resource |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 15 | 16 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
c. USAC coach
| Non-responses |
Extremely useful |
Very useful |
Moderately useful |
Slightly useful |
Not at all useful |
Do not know |
Have never used this resource |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 22 | 16 | 8 | 11 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
d. USAC staff other than your coach
| Non-responses |
Extremely useful |
Very useful |
Moderately useful |
Slightly useful |
Not at all useful |
Do not know |
Have never used this resource |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 13 | 20 | 12 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
e. USAC training events
| Non-responses |
Extremely useful |
Very useful |
Moderately useful |
Slightly useful |
Not at all useful |
Do not know |
Have never used this resource |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 6 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
f. Monthly USAC conference calls
| Non-responses |
Extremely useful |
Very useful |
Moderately useful |
Slightly useful |
Not at all useful |
Do not know |
Have never used this resource |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 25 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
g. USAC's SharePoint Web site
| Non-responses |
Extremely useful |
Very useful |
Moderately useful |
Slightly useful |
Not at all useful |
Do not know |
Have never used this resource |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 7 | 19 | 22 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
h. USAC's web page for the program (http://www.universalservice.org/rhc-pilot-program/)
| Non-responses |
Extremely useful |
Very useful |
Moderately useful |
Slightly useful |
Not at all useful |
Do not know |
Have never used this resource |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 5 | 12 | 20 | 19 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
i. Associations or other groups
| Non-responses |
Extremely useful |
Very useful |
Moderately useful |
Slightly useful |
Not at all useful |
Do not know |
Have never used this resource |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 18 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
j. Other pilot projects
| Non-responses |
Extremely useful |
Very useful |
Moderately useful |
Slightly useful |
Not at all useful |
Do not know |
Have never used this resource |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 8 | 19 | 10 | 1 | 4 | 14 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
k. Paid consultant
| Non-responses |
Extremely useful |
Very useful |
Moderately useful |
Slightly useful |
Not at all useful |
Do not know |
Have never used this resource |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 37 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
l. Other resources (please identify in the box below)
| Non-responses |
Extremely useful |
Very useful |
Moderately useful |
Slightly useful |
Not at all useful |
Do not know |
Have never used this resource |
Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 27 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
If other:
26a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
Effects Of Pilot Program
27. If your pilot project is able to accomplish its current goals, will one or more entities in your project be able to:
a. Obtain telecommunications or internet services that would otherwise be unaffordable
| Non-responses | Definitely yes | Probably yes | Probably no | Definitely no | Do not know | Not applicable | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 49 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
b. Obtain telecommunications or internet services that would otherwise be unobtainable due to lack of infrastructure
| Non-responses | Definitely yes | Probably yes | Probably no | Definitely no | Do not know | Not applicable | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 34 | 14 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
c. Upgrade an existing telecommunications or internet service
| Non-responses | Definitely yes | Probably yes | Probably no | Definitely no | Do not know | Not applicable | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 49 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
27a. (Optional) If there are other impacts the pilot program will have on the entities in your project that you would like to describe, please do so in the box below:
28. Given your current understanding of the costs and administrative requirements of participating in the pilot program, do you feel that the program's benefits for your project will outweigh the costs of participating in the program?
| Non-responses | Definitely yes | Probably yes | Probably no | Definitely no | Do not know | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 29 | 23 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
28a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
Federal Coordination
29. Is your project currently receiving federal funding -- other than any FCC funding -- for purposes that complement your pilot project's goals (for example, funding for telemedicine equipment)?
| Non-responses | Yes | No | Do not know | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 19 | 40 | 2 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
29a. (Optional) If you would like to provide additional comments, please do so in the box below:
Lessons Learned
30. What are the top three things that program officials have done well in their administration of the pilot program? Please type your answer in the boxes below.
When asked to list the top three things that program officials have done well in their administration of the program, the aspects most frequently mentioned by respondents included communications with program officials, the effort put forth by program officials, the coaches or the coaching concept, and the use of technology, such as Web sites and SharePoint.
31. If FCC were to establish a new, permanent program with goals similar to those of the pilot program, what would be the top three things that program officials should change to improve the administration of the new program?
When asked to list the top three things that program officials should change if FCC established a new, permanent program with goals similar to those of the pilot program, the aspects most frequently mentioned by respondents included simplifying or improving the administration process, providing funding for administrative costs related to participating in the program, providing more guidance and templates, and expanding the eligibility of sites or expenses (including administrative offices and data centers).
32. If there is anything else you would like to tell us, please type your comments in the box below.
Submit your Questionnaire
33. Have you finished this questionnaire?
| Non-responses | Yes | No | Total respondents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 61 | 0 | 61 |
| Note: Number of questionnaire respondents are reported in each category |
To get a copy of your answers to this questionnaire, click "View and print a summary of your responses" in the menu on the left